SIN vs HKG – Don't see the comparison

I just returned from my first visit to Hong Kong, and hence first experience of HKG. I know there's a history of HKG and SIN competing for top airport prizes. But to be honest, I wasn't that impressed by HKG; it's very similar to the new PEK terminal I visited last year. It's sprawling, the shopping is a bit of a maze, immigration queues are not long, but exist, and there's nothing hugely impressive about the airport itself.

The only two things I can say might count in its favour:
• The Airport Express train is better than having to get the MRT across Singapore, stopping everywhere on the way.
• Ironically, the SQ SilverKris Lounge at HKG is a lot better than what *Gs have access to in SIN when flying Y. In fact, it's as good as the SK lounge in T2 that I used once last year.

Hmm.. well everyone sees things differently, however HKG is a favored airport of many because:
1) Convenient Hub particularly for access to PRC
2) Excellent Food Services (including great Sushi!)
3) Very good lounges- particularly OneWorld
4) As you noted- transport connections to the city and trade fair
5) Fast Passport Control- particularly if you have e-channel which is easy to get and free
6) Fast Luggage service
7) Shopping/Banking/Infrastructure
8) Actually only one terminal (2 to checkin however afterwards all flights depart from one terminal)
9) Relatively delay free
10) Direct JetCatmaran connection to Macao and bus connections to PRC

Hmm.. well everyone sees things differently, however HKG is a favored airport of many because:
1) Convenient Hub particularly for access to PRC
2) Excellent Food Services (including great Sushi!)
3) Very good lounges- particularly OneWorld
4) As you noted- transport connections to the city and trade fair
5) Fast Passport Control- particularly if you have e-channel which is easy to get and free
6) Fast Luggage service
7) Shopping/Banking/Infrastructure
8) Actually only one terminal (2 to checkin however afterwards all flights depart from one terminal)
9) Relatively delay free
10) Direct JetCatmaran connection to Macao and bus connections to PRC

Just a few reasons

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1, 4, and 10 are more to do with location though.
5, 6, and 9 are SIN's strengths too, I'd argue, moreso.
3, I agree, and especially flying SQ, ironically!
5 I guess is a matter of taste…
7: looked like a sprawl to me…
8: Changi does multiple terminals as well as they come with the Skytrain. One sprawl better than multiple organised?

It's not a bad airport by any standard (looking at you, LHR), but really I just didn't feel it was something special while there. Changi has lots of nice touches; it's a nicer place to just hang out, I guess.

1, 4, and 10 are more to do with location though.
5, 6, and 9 are SIN's strengths too, I'd argue, moreso.
3, I agree, and especially flying SQ, ironically!
5 I guess is a matter of taste…
7: looked like a sprawl to me…
8: Changi does multiple terminals as well as they come with the Skytrain. One sprawl better than multiple organised?

It's not a bad airport by any standard (looking at you, LHR), but really I just didn't feel it was something special while there. Changi has lots of nice touches; it's a nicer place to just hang out, I guess.

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I think everyone has there own preferences. For me, I have spent a long time in queue at SIN T3- and unlike arriving at HKG there is nothing- no escort no fast track for F class even on SQ flights.

As for 1,4,10- they do have to do with location- however nice benefits

There is also a train you can take within HKG if you want- can significantly reduce walking and runs at a greater frequency than SIN.

To me, HKG has a nice design: very bright, airy, lots of natural light. On the other hand, SIN can sometimes be a bit depressing as in places, it is quite dark with very low ceiling.

I also like the fact that security check is done before immigration in HKG, allowing us to enjoy the lounge right up until it is time for boarding and also allowing us to take a bottle of water from the lounge and bring it onboard. In SIN, I normally have to leave the lounge earlier, taking into account the time needed to clear security checks, etc.

What I do not like about HKG though is that at certain hours, immigration queues can be horrendous. Although most of the time they are moving briskly, but SIN just can't be beat in this area, where the immigration queues are seemingly non-existent in T2 and T3.

Now I regret why I didn't take up the e-channel offer . I've heard that one could get a HK frequent visitor card by passing through the immigration at HKIA at least 3 times in 1 year. I suppose I could apply for this instead.

HKG is a great airport. So is ICN. And I'm pretty controversial in this view but I really like BKK. But SIN is in a league of its own. Security at each gate, never lines, immigration is quick, the amenities are unparalleled.

This sounds very much like the Airbus/Boeing debate. Frankly I like both of these airports. Excluding China mainland for teh moment my favorites in order are:

1) HKG
2) ICN
3) SIN

There are a few others I quite like too but:
1) HKG does have everything I want including The Wing. That by itself makes this my #1, specifically the Cabanas and the noodle bar. So I am really favoring CX there. Beyond that the duty free works well and my unblocked electronics are always available.
2) ICN is not quite so voluptuous as is HKG but the efficiency and clarity is superb, and it is easy to get in and out. Further, the in-Seoul Duty Free and discount shopping counts. For that matter the Shilla Dynasty Club may be reason enough to prize ICn as an airport, even though that is a hotel, not the airport itself.
3) SIN comes third only because somebody must. I do like the airport enormously but it does IME have more problems than either of the other two maybe because of the location itself, with fire pollution etc.
4) Were we discussing transit only I'd almost join gleff with BKK. I like it, and Thailand, since I lived there years ago, but it simply does not measure up otherwise.

I overall like SIN very much, but one thing always bothers me there: the jetways have a horrible musty smell. I start to cough, sniffle, and gag as soon as I get to the aircraft door upon arrival and my eyes stay red and itchy for days afterward. I admit I'm sensitive, but why can't they fix this? I haven't had the problem elsewhere in Singapore and the mustiness was pronounced even in T3 shortly after it opened.

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